Dearborn Fights Rat Problem

DEARBORN, MI — An increase in resident complaints about rodents this summer brought an earnest response from the city on Friday. More than a dozen inspectors hit the streets of Dearborn in an effort amp up rodent control.

The idea is to open the lines of communications with residents and answer every homeowner that had filed a complaint, according to city officials. Mayor John B. O’Reilly initiated the coordinated effort.

“While we help our residents every day with pest problems, it became clear that we could make a much bigger impact by hitting this issue hard and well across the city with all of our resources,” said Mayor O’Reilly. “We’ve seen an increase in people contacting us, and at the same time, had some staff turnover that impacted our response time.

“I directed today’s action to make sure our residents with rodent issues understand we are here to assist them.”

Ongoing road, sewer and building construction projects throughout Dearborn have dislodged rodents from their underground homes, which has aggravated the usual warm weather increases in rodent activity, city officials stated in a news release. In addition, property owners may be unaware of the steps they can take to control the rodent population, which could lead to more pest activity.

Friday’s sweep through the city was just a start, O’Reilly said. Based on the field inspectors’ reports, rodent control supervisors will then follow up with property owners in need to further action, including the application of rodenticides that only can be used by certified professionals.

The city of Dearborn also has suggestions on how to minimize rodent problems, including:

Eliminate food sources for rats
· Keep trash in the designated carts with lids closed.
· Remove and dispose of animal feces daily.
· Eliminate all food sources on your property, including pet food and bird seed. It is a violation of City ordinance to ground feed animals.
· Pick up and remove daily any fruit from trees, bushes or vines that fall to the ground, and remove vegetables from gardens as soon as they ripen.
· Keep yards clean.

Avoid creating hiding places for rodents
· Keep all materials stored inside a garage.
· Woodpiles, when stored on an unpaved surface, should not be less than 9 inches from the ground.
· Compost must be containerized and kept at least 18 inches off the ground.
· Seal cracks, holes or breaks in foundations, and repair holes around pipes, screen doors, windows, vents, and other openings in the home.
· Outside steps should be made of masonry/concrete. Keep the space beneath wooden porches clean and free of clutter and debris.
· Keep grass cut below six inches in height, remove weeds, and keep low hanging trees and bushes trimmed up off the ground at least 12 inches to prevent rats from hiding there.

What not to do

Do not use commercially available rodenticides. Rats can become resistant to them, which can result in the rats becoming more difficult to eradicate. Also, rodenticides that are improperly placed or used may be a danger to children, pets and non-target species. Such poisons are to be handled by professionals only.

City’s role

Residents seeking the city’s assistance may contact Vector Control at 313-943-2099. City inspectors will evaluate a situation and proceed with professional techniques, as required.

Photo by Brian Bourcheron via Flickr Commons